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A few weeks after completing my radiation treatment (and about 2 months after the lumpectomy), I noticed tenderness and soreness in the armpit and inner arm of the affected side. Since I didn't display typical lymphedema symptoms (swelling down the entire arm), it was only after three lymphatic drainage massages that my oncologist determined it was lymphedema.
I now have drainage massages twice a week which also include massaging away the scar tissue. I cannot believe the difference this… read more
Just make sure you order compression shirts ... they were about $25 each but oh, they make such a BIG difference.
Also my PT cuts up little squares of foam and puts them in a cloth pocket (looks much like a "pad" ... lol ... that's what my family calls it ... Mom's pad!) which I slip into the bra ... the rough uneven surface work away at the scar tissue.
My cording issues are now all but gone ... I wish more people realized you don't have to live with scarring or cording issues!
Thank you I'm having swelling in the breast. Have to call Physical Therapist on Monday for an appointment
oh mens shirts, what a great idea ! I have a sleeve that I wear when I work out etc but finding a bra sigh. I still have so much swelling from radiation its bigger than the nonaffected side! but theres not going to be too much left when it all goes down, I had 2 surgeries there.
My affected side is smaller than the other side so bra fitting is becoming a nightmare ... especially since I wear/wore a 42B ... easy to find 42Cs but they don't give the correct compression.
I did get 2 men's compression shirts from Under Armor and also my PT fitted me for the compression sleeve and hand which helps.
After the swelling from the scar tissue and lymphedema subsides, the PT says I need to visit the plastic surgeon to see about breast reduction on the other side ... but she says I'll likely have scar tissue again and would then be back to see her ... she's a doll and the PS with whom I met prior to deciding on the lumpectomy isn't bad to talk to either so neither one terribly deters me ... but another surgery? Not so sure!! Maybe after I am cancer free a few years I'll be more interested in checking that out.
{{{{ hugs }}}} for a full recovery !
Im with you ! Though I do have some swelling issues about where my drains were so more truncal, we don't quite label it as lymphedema but my physical therapist says "lymphy". Its been a challenge trying to find a bra that is comfortable, what are you wearing? I finished rads Dec 27. I go once a week for massage drainage.
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